Key Highlights
- Elliott Austin, a 7-year-old girl from Tampa, Florida, gained fame for her brutally honest reaction during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- The young star received tickets to catch the Broadway musical “Six” and a shopping spree at an American Girl store as part of another surprise.
- Al Roker presented Elliott with a “golden ticket” to see the Rockettes, who are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year.
- Elliott’s viral moment was shared on the Dec. 1 episode of TODAY and has received attention from friends and family since then.
The Viral Moment That Made a Star
On December 1, 2025, Elliott Austin, a 7-year-old girl from Tampa, Florida, became the breakout star of this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Her brutally honest reaction to Al Roker during NBC’s coverage of the parade went viral and garnered her national attention.
During the parade, Al Roker gave Elliott a “golden ticket” to see the Rockettes, the iconic dance troupe celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. When asked if she was excited to see them, Elliott’s response was straightforward: “I did that yesterday.” This candid statement caught everyone’s attention and quickly went viral on social media.
A Return for More Surprises
Elliott Austin received even more surprises when she appeared on TODAY’s Dec. 1 episode. In addition to the shopping spree at an American Girl store, Elliott was given tickets to catch the Broadway musical “Six.” When asked if she had already seen the show, Elliott vigorously shook her head, reaffirming her honest nature.
Al Roker’s reaction to Elliott’s honesty was both playful and genuine. “You did that yesterday? Well, by golly, you get to see them again!” Al said, laughing. “Yay!” Elliott responded with enthusiasm.
A Heartwarming Story of Family and Friendship
Elliott’s mother, Casey Austin, shared how their viral moment has impacted their lives. “We were supposed to leave home yesterday and we ended up staying here and enjoying the city,” Casey said while appearing on TODAY with her daughter. She also mentioned that they have received a lot of support from friends, teachers, and family since the incident.
Casey Austin emphasized how much this experience has been for Elliott: “We’re still digesting it.” Despite their initial plans to leave home, staying in New York allowed them to fully embrace the moment and enjoy all the surprises that came their way. “Yes, friends, teachers, family,” Casey added, highlighting the positive impact of such viral moments on a child’s life.
Throughout this experience, Elliott Austin has shown an admirable level of honesty and authenticity, making her a beloved figure in pop culture. Her story continues to inspire others with its simplicity and genuine spirit.
